Quality higher education for the West Hawai'i community
“The Pālamanui Campus will be a state-of-the-art learning environment that provides greater access to higher education in West Hawai‘i. The campus is an important investment in the future of our island community.”
Chancellor of Hawai‘i Community College Noreen Yamane
About Hawai'i Community College
Hawai‘i Community College is developing a new campus in Kailua-Kona just mauka of the Keahole Airport. The future Hawai‘i Community College — Pālamanui will have classrooms, science laboratories, learning kitchens and offices. It will be our new home in West Hawai‘i, replacing limited facilities that we lease at our current location in Kealakekua.
Improve Access
The goal of improving access to higher education in West Hawai‘i is the major reason for the multi-year effort to build Pālamanui. When it comes to higher education, West Hawai‘i is one of the most underserved areas in the state. The new campus will ensure that West Hawai‘i students and the community have a premier option for college and career/vocational training.
The Vision
Our vision for Pālamanui is to build a zero-carbon footprint campus that uses design strategies proven to enhance learning while embracing the Hawaiian Culture. The project will be developed in phases, resulting in a campus with several buildings on a 73-acre site.
Join Us
HawCC has secured over $17 million from state funds, private developers, and private donations. This accounts for most of the money needed to build the first phase of the Pālamanui Campus, but we still need help reaching our goal. By investing in Pālamanui, you are helping to secure the educational future of those who call West Hawai‘i home.
Make a Secure Gift Online
For more information please contact:
Cordy MacLaughlin
Director of Development, Regional and Community Colleges
590 Lipoa Parkway, Suite 221
Kihei, HI 96753
Phone (808) 344-8782
Cordy.MacLaughlin@UHFoundation.org
FAQs
Do the West Hawai'i demographics support the need for a college campus?
The population in West Hawai'i is similar to the population on the island of Kaua'i where the University operates Kaua'i Community College. While the University of Hawai'i-Hilo and the Hawai'i Community College campus in Hilo are located on the east side of the Big Island, the distance and the high cost of fuel make it difficult for the residents on the west side to regularly attend classes in Hilo unless they are able to relocate. As a result, West Hawai'i is an underserved area in terms of higher education opportunities.
What degrees would be offered at Hawai'i Community College — Pālamanui?
Programs of study currently offered in West Hawai‘i will be relocated to the Pālamanui campus. These include Liberal Studies, Nursing, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Hawaiian Studies, Early Childhood Education, and a variety of public service programs. New program offerings at the Pālamanui campus will be added based on community needs, space availability, funding and curricula development. An Academic Master Plan (ADP) specific for the Pālamanui campus is currently under development. Based on community input, workforce demands, and other University of Hawai‘i offerings, regular updates to this ADP will provide ongoing direction for program development at the Pālamanui campus.
What is the University Center?
The University of Hawai‘i system includes three Board of Regent established University Centers. The University Center, West Hawai‘i is one of the three, with the others located at Maui College and Kaua‘i Community College. The University Center, West Hawai‘i is administered by Hawai‘i Community College. University Centers support distance learning programs offered by the system’s four-year institutions. These include a bachelor, master and doctoral degrees as well as certificates.
